Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya responds to the reports of religious organizations being shut down in Belarus:
“Since the beginning of the year, the regime has required every religious organization in Belarus to undergo re-registration. Recently, I learned that it is now systematically denying recognition to non-Orthodox communities that spoke out against violence and lawlessness in 2020. This leads to their closure or complete subordination to the state. Where is the constitutional right to freedom of religion?
In truth, there’s nothing new about this. Dictatorships are always intolerant of dissent. Last year, Catholic priest Henadz Akalatovich was sentenced to 11 years in prison for “treason”. In October 2022, the regime seized the Red Church from its congregation, citing a need for renovations. That same year, criminal liability was introduced for organizing or participating in unregistered religious groups. The regime understands that in the eyes of believers, God is always above power. And Lukashenka doesn’t like that.
But that hasn’t stopped people from believing and distinguishing good from evil. Even if only one church remains in Belarus – one that equates the president with God – Belarusians will not accept it. They will teach their children morality at home, read them books themselves, and pass on the values of loving one’s neighbor, respecting the truth, and standing up for justice.
Faith lives not in church buildings but in people’s hearts. And that faith cannot be destroyed by force”.
